Charmed Labs, a notable player in the realm of open-source hardware, has consistently introduced innovative products to the market. Their latest creation, the Goby, is a compact robotic camera platform currently in the midst of a crowdfunding campaign aimed at its initial release. Priced at under $100, Goby stands out not just for its affordability but also for its unique functionality and design features, making it a compelling option for hobbyists and tech enthusiasts alike.

The Goby is ingeniously designed to embrace its miniature size, a trait that its creators have termed "tinypresence". This concept refers to the immersive experience of being virtually present in small-scale environments. Imagine exploring cardboard courses, navigating LEGO arenas, or enhancing tabletop gaming scenariosall from a first-person perspective. Such experiences are transformed by Goby's ability to deliver a reprogrammable platform that requires nothing more than a USB cable and access to the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Remarkably, its price point is lower than that of most Arduino starter kits, making it an attractive option for those delving into robotics and remote viewing.

One standout feature of Goby is its tail-like articulated caster located at the rear. This innovative design allows users to pivot the device up or down, and even perform a complete flip, providing versatile control over the camera's angle without the need for a complex gimbal setup. This caster also plays a vital role in recharging the device; Goby can effortlessly maneuver over its disc-shaped charger and tilt down to establish contact, ensuring it remains powered without cumbersome connections.

At the heart of the Goby is an ESP32-S3 microcontroller coupled with an OmniVision OV2640 camera sensor. This sophisticated setup enables live video streaming and control via WebRTC, a powerful technology that allows real-time communication over the web. Integrating the WebRTC stack onto the ESP32 presented significant challenges, but it ultimately paves the way for functionalities that go beyond mere media streaming.

One of Gobys remarkable capabilities is its ease of establishing an encrypted connection. By simply sharing a URL or scanning a QR code, users can initiate a secure link between the camera and their devices. The initial handshake occurs with the assistance of an external server, after which the connection transitions to a peer-to-peer configuration, effectively removing the server from the ongoing communication. Charmed Labs has developed this feature using a code named BitBang, which is presently in beta and will soon be available for public release. While BitBang simplifies access to Goby remotely, it is also designed to enhance web connectivity for any device operating on the ESP32 platform.

Though it may not achieve the ultra-compact size of transforming a Hot Wheels car into a micro remote-controlled vehicle, Goby undoubtedly offers a more accessible and cost-effective solution for those interested in tiny remote camera platforms. For those eager to learn more, the Goby is currently featured on Kickstarter, where backers can support its launch and witness its capabilities in a demonstration video linked within the campaign page.